Kolkata, 15 May (H.S.) : Residents across West Bengal continued to struggle with intense heat and uncomfortable humidity on Friday as sultry weather conditions persisted since morning. The sky remained partly cloudy, while strong sunshine and rising humidity levels added to public discomfort throughout the day.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of thundercloud formation during the afternoon or evening hours in Kolkata and adjoining areas, although chances of significant rainfall remain minimal.
The weather office has warned that humidity-related discomfort is likely to increase further across South Bengal over the next few days. At the same time, a few districts may witness scattered thunderstorms and rain.
Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms has been forecast in Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Purulia districts. However, temperatures across the region are expected to rise by two to four degrees Celsius over the coming days, with western districts likely to experience more intense heatwave-like conditions.
In contrast, North Bengal is expected to witness widespread rainfall activity. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several northern districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. Isolated places may also receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning have been predicted across all eight districts of North Bengal, stretching from Darjeeling to Malda.
Despite changing weather patterns in different regions, temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged in Kolkata and surrounding areas. The maximum temperature on Friday is expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 27.9 degrees Celsius.
The IMD further stated that high moisture content in the atmosphere will continue to cause discomfort. Maximum relative humidity may reach up to 93 percent, while the minimum is likely to remain around 48 percent.
The weather department has also indicated that no major change in weather conditions is expected over the weekend. On Saturday, light to moderate rainfall may occur in Purulia, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts.
On Sunday, rain has been forecast in Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts. However, humid and uncomfortable conditions are expected to persist across most parts of South Bengal.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
